Self-confessed 'geeks' turn to dating in cartoon character masks

In a bid to conquer their fears, a group of self-confessed geeks in Japan have taken part in a matchmaking exercise, wearing cartoon character masks.

The small town of Washinomiya, north of Tokyo hosted 15 men and 15 women at the speed-dating event last Friday (November 23), with masks including Mickey Mouse and manga character Doraemon on display.

The party was organized specifically for "otaku" - people enthralled with high-tech products, Japanese manga comic books and the anime that derive from them.

Otaku, commonly translated as "geeks', are also open about their preference for two-dimensional characters over communicating with the real world.

Speaking to The AP, a 27-year-old woman in a rabbit mask who calls herself Jet-Black Wings said: "I feel this is an easier way to talk to people.

"I wouldn't be able to do this without this mask. I would feel too embarrassed."

The event was organized by the local chamber of commerce as a way of capitalising on the popularity of the Raki Suta (Lucky Star) cartoons, as many tourists clamour to see the place where the comic is set.

Shinji Matsumoto, one of the organisers, said: "We are really lucky that so many otaku people come to this town. We want them to have a good time here."